FOR HABAL-HABAL DRIVER'S DEATH Jeep barker charged with murder

CEBU, Philippines - Two criminal cases have been filed in the Regional Trial Court against a jeepney conductor for the killing of a “habal-habal” driver and for gun possession.

Freddie Yosores, a 27-years-old “habal-habal” driver and resident of sitio Upper Panabang, barangay Apas, Cebu City was allegedly shot by Charlito Regidor Espaltero, 28 years old, a native of barangay Bulak, Dumanhug, Cebu, but was residing at a PUJ garage, at back of barangay hall of Lahug, Cebu City.

In the affidavit, Cristina Gullen Burzon, 20 years old, live-in partner of Yosores, stated that at about 8:30 in the morning on April 20, 2010, that while Yosores was helping her in displaying their goods at the waiting shed in Lapu-Lapu Avenue near corner 9th St., San Antonio Village, of same barangay, Espaltero suddenly approached and shot Yosores with a .38 caliber revolver.

Yosores fell down from the first shot. Espaltero tried to shoot him again, but the handgun jammed.

Espaltero tried to pull out a knife from his waistline but a “trisikad” driver shouted for help when he saw what was happening.

Espaltero immediately got unto a passing PUJ going to barangay Apas to escape.

Yosores was immediately taken by Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) personnel to Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) to undergo surgical operation due to a gunshot wound on his neck.

Burzon said when she asked Espaltero why he shot her live-in partner, she said Espaltero told her that Yosores and he had a conflict about two months ago.

She said Yosores who drove a motorcycle was almost hit by the jeepney Espaltero was on as its conductor.

Reynaldo Almonte, 36 years old, barangay tanod of barangay Apas, said that a “habal-habal” driver told him about a shooting incident at the waiting shed nearby.

The informant pointed to Espaltero who was on board a PUJ as the culprit. Almonte followed the PUJ to arrest Espaltero.

Seized from Espaltero was a .38 caliber revolver and a kitchen knife. (FREEMAN NEWS)